Mirena and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• bmo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 20, 2017

For Birth Control "The Mirena works great for most people. I am not one of them. My hair came out in clumps in the shower. I had the Mirena for 2 years and gained 15 lbs. I've never had an issue with weight and have always had a very fast metabolism. I figured my metabolism was slowing down (mid-twenties), and that I would need to eat better and exercise. I got my Mirena removed exactly one week ago and have lost 6 lbs and have changed absolutely nothing! All the weight I gained with Mirena seemed to go to my stomach. I looked 3-4 months pregnant every day. My depression got worse. I was so out of energy every day. I was itching my skin off every day - pretty sure I had a combo of hives and eczema. Feeling better, skin's clearing, and weight's down."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I am kind of upset at the negativity that I have seen posted: bad acne, cramps, weight gain, low sex drive...all of which I was afraid of. However, I admit that I have been breaking out a bit more, but I started washing my face twice daily, and it has subsided a lot better with occasional breakouts. I was told in the past that chin acne is due to hormones. My cramps are bad only when I spot (only happens once in a while). I'm not saying they are comfy, but are better than before I was ever on birth control tabs. I believe that I have actually lost weight, not due to Mirena, but due to work, etc. You need to stay active anyway, so who can really say that it's the birth control? However, I do believe that the NuvaRing caused mine. My sex drive is actually increased too:)"

• Col...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 22, 2015

For Birth Control "I decided to get Mirena after my 5th child was born. Since he was born, I have suffered from insomnia, mood swings, weight gain, impossible weight loss, odor and discharge, yeast infections, and zero libido. Overall, I just don't feel like the same person anymore, and my husband says I have changed. So, I visited my doctor and got extensive blood tests. Everything was normal, she said. Then it dawned on me recently, what is it that changed after my son was born? Oh! Well, I had the Mirena put in! I then started to research side effects and read forum posts by other women who have used Mirena, and to my surprise, everything I have been suffering could be related to the Mirena! I have had it in for 2 years, and now I am getting it out!"

• Lem...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 29, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Device fitted for heavy bleeding, which it has done. However, that has come at the cost of my energy levels, as I am constantly tired. Flexibility issues due to constant lower back pain. Stomach pains mean I can't stand up straight a lot of the time. Which, in turn, resulted in weight gain. Let's not forget the insomnia. It's a high price to pay."

• Mar...
• August 1, 2010

For Birth Control "I have had Mirena in now for almost 3 years, and will get it removed next week. I have gained almost 50 lbs since I started using this. I have gone through periods of depression and have no energy! I have also had multiple pelvic infections caused by Mirena. I am happy that I will soon have this removed and be back to my thin, happy self again! Oh, the only plus about this is that I have not had a period since insertion, but I bled almost every time I had sex."

• Gio...
• October 14, 2019

For Birth Control "Decided to try Mirena after baby #2. Inserted February 2019. Insertion was painful but expected. Period bleeding reduced to nothing after 3 months. Give it a 4 for doing that, but the rest of the side effects are overwhelming. The first 3 months were awful with mood swings. Extreme sensitivity, crying spells, extreme anger, couldn’t handle the children or spouse anymore, patience disappeared. Extreme fatigue to this day. At 3-month check-up, my OB convinced me to keep it longer, saying symptoms should improve with time. Now, 8 months later, still very emotional, and it increases with intensity a week before my period. Also have horrible bloating and developed hormonal and cystic acne. Just now having weight gain. Gained 11 lbs these past 2 months, as much as 5 lbs in a week because of bloating. I was 119 lbs before the IUD and now 130 lbs. I have not changed diet or activity. Clothes I just bought 2 months ago no longer fit me. I’m considering having Mirena removed."

• Bba...
• February 13, 2021

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had the Mirena coil inserted on 11 Nov 2020 to treat heavy bleeding and endometriosis, but I have had heavy bleeding and clots every day for three months. I asked the doctor to have it checked, he said it was normal and to give it time. I am so sad, and this really annoys me. I put on weight and was moody all the time. Finally, I booked myself to see a gynecologist and have it removed. Six days prior to my appointment, I had a heavy bleed and a big clot that pushed the coil out. I was so relieved it's out. I'm still booked to see a gynecologist for another option."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "Had my Mirena removed after only 3 months. Yes, it did significantly reduce monthly bleeding and cramping, but the negative side effects far outweighed the little positive effects. I am fortunate to live a very good life and have never experienced depression; however, during the 3 months I had Mirena, I felt very sad and depressed for no reason. I also had zero sex drive all the time - not just certain times of the month. Gained 10 pounds in 3 months while exercising vigorously on a regular basis and eating very healthy foods, 1500 calories a day. I know my body very well and I know how to lose weight, but nothing worked this time. Also experienced tingling in my hands and feet. Looking forward to getting my life back after Mirena!"

• Reu...
• March 25, 2019

For Birth Control "I had Mirena for 2.5 years - I am 45 and only got it from a friend's advice to not get pregnant and hassle-free due to my hectic job and lifestyle (always traveling for work). I had mine out 1 week ago and I can report feeling better - almost instant - energy level increased, not bloated (or looking/feeling 3 months pregnant) anymore, lust for life back, not depressed. Today, a manager I work with said, 'You look so skinny - what have you done?' Wow - I did nothing at all - no change to diet, exercise, or eating patterns - yes, the reduction in weight and bloat had dramatically reduced my size literally in a few days. I knew hormone BC is not for me as per my past, but I thought I'd give this a go based on all the medical info telling me it's so low dose you cannot put on weight - well, in my case, I did, and it affected my mood and energy levels. I feel like I am back to my happy, healthier self and will never go back on this. It might be right for some but not for me at all - I guess it's all trial and error!"

• rou...
• July 5, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm a big fan of IUDs. I had two Paragards after having my last child at age 29. When I started to have heavy bleeding, I opted for the Mirena to help control that and to avoid an ablation. It's been great for controlling bleeding, and my periods are few and far between. I am going to be 50 next year, and my estrogen levels are still pretty good-meaning I am still a fertile myrtle. So, for now, the Mirena has been a great thing for me. There have been no mood swings, no heavy bleeding, no weight gain, and no other noticeable side effects."

• Pre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 14, 2015

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "This was my second Mirena. My first was great. I had no periods, no complaints. Insertion and removal were super easy. However, after removal, I did bleed for a couple of weeks. The second one has been awful. I just had it removed after 3 years. My hair was falling out. I gained weight. I had a very low sex drive. I bleed all the time. I got it removed 5 weeks ago, and I'm still bleeding. I'm even on NuvaRing, and still bleeding. It's awful. There is no end in sight."

• Deb...
• July 10, 2016

For Birth Control "My OBGYN inserted it for me. She is very experienced, and I felt little discomfort. It felt like having a long PAP test. I spotted during my cycle, but amazingly my periods stopped altogether. I'm having it removed as it's almost due (5 years). I gained about 30 lbs. in the last 4 years. Most of my friends who have this IUD put in had the same weight gain experience. Now, is it worth it? Heck YES! No periods and no mood swings for 5 years in exchange for weight gain? I will not continue to have a new one inserted after this, though... I want to lose weight first. My advice is, be active as I wasn't, so it could've been that and gained the 30, so I don't totally blame it on Mirena. Secondly, get an experienced OBGYN to insert it for you."

• 2an...
• November 18, 2011

For Birth Control "I had to post a review of the Mirena after reading so many negative comments. I had no problems. No weight gain, no terrible skin conditions, no pain, and no menstruation for five years! I loved it. Once inserted, I never had a thought about birth control. It was so easy. I have recommended it to several friends who have also had no problems. Please do not be steered away from this product so quickly. Speak with your physician. I hope you have as good an experience as I did."

• Cro...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 22, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I am 25 (2016) and got it inserted in December 2014. Insertion: a painful procedure for a tiny insertion. Followed by intense discomfort and pelvic pain, constant bleeding, and pelvic and vaginal pain. Symptoms: first month or so nonstop bleeding, mood imbalance. 3 months. Continued frequent bleeding, weight gain of 5 pounds. 6 months gained 15 pounds, 1.5 years gained 20 pounds (vegan, fit although no weight loss or maintenance). Experienced depressive symptoms such as lack of excitement, happiness, and lack of interest in previously preferred activities, fatigue, and lethargy. I was given as a method to treat not only menorrhagia but ovarian cyst pain. Remove as this is counterintuitive as one of the risks."

• Kin...
• June 12, 2015

For Birth Control "I have had Mirena for a little over two years and had it inserted 4 weeks after having my only child. I had dealt with horrible cramps every month for my entire life, until Mirena. It is a blessing to not have cramps and to not have a period but maybe 3 times a year. However, this comes with a huge BUT for me. I have zero sex drive, have gained 20 pounds that I cannot lose to save my life, constantly have discharge, and bleed and hurt after intercourse. I've been thinking about getting it removed due to my husband being frustrated with my low drive, but to have those horrible cramps again makes me cringe. Tough situation that I would rather not be in."

• Ame...
• June 8, 2016

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have had the Mirena for 18 months now. I am getting it removed on Friday. The two major reasons are weight gain (10 lbs), which is a lot for me as I am a personal trainer, and it has killed my sex drive! I have always had a higher than average libido, and for the past year it is gone. Not worth it to me. I would rather have my painful periods back!!!"

• Mou...
• April 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I tried this because hey, who doesn't love 5-year birth control that you basically forget about? It was absolutely awful. The insertion experience was excruciating for me. I passed out on the table and vomited. I gained 35 lbs in 7 months despite counting calories/working out. I had extremely bad anxiety/depression, I would walk into a place and immediately start pouring sweat. I got terrible acne all along my jawline and back. Extremely low sex drive, and I was so emotionless I felt like a robot. I was on the IUD for about 7 months then decided I couldn't handle these issues anymore. The removal was easy, I didn't even feel it. Since then, I've lost weight, acne cleared up, sweating went away, and I have emotions again. Would not recommend."

• Ang...
• February 27, 2013

For Birth Control "I'm 26 and had it inserted in Nov last year. The procedure was not painful, but afterwards I had some cramping, but nothing I couldn't deal with. The first 6 weeks I had constant spotting and swelling. It got to a point where I had to go and get a sonar done to find out whether it had moved (I went for a few jogs afterwards). Well, it didn't move at all. My husband does not even realize that I have it in. But my weight has been my biggest issue. I gained weight, and I have been exercising more and eating healthier, and my weight does not decrease. Whether it is the Mirena or maybe something else, I cannot be sure. But it started after the Mirena was inserted. My mood swings are so much better, and I just decided to even exercise harder."

• Lov...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 22, 2016

For Birth Control "No problems. I still menstruate here and there. But overall, no cramping. Maybe some temporary weight gain during menstruation days, like usual. But overall, great. I got pregnant as soon as I removed it and put it back after my second baby. And still, no problems."

• Fri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 8, 2019

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I caution you against using the Mirena IUD! In the span of approximately 1 year: I went from always being acne-free or at 1 pimple a month my entire life to getting several big zits at a time!! Mild phantom period pains each month while on the IUD. Gained 10 pounds in just that 1 year! The insertion was bad! On the plus side: immediately stopped my periods! I got it because I had horrible periods: even a little cough or bending over gave me extreme pain + I'd bleed through a super tampon w/in ~2 hrs. No mood changes via IUD, so I was my usual non-moody self. Removal was a breeze! I had it taken out 6 months ago & I am hoping these acne scars will go away. I'm still getting zits every week! No other method ever gave me acne (pill, shot, etc.). I do think birth control in general intensifies my sugar cravings. Normal recent blood work results. I'm looking to get a Focused Ultrasound Fibroid Treatment & I will use NuvaRing or Advil until then. Thanks for reading."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 12, 2019

For Birth Control "I had the Mirena IUD for about 1.5 years. The insertion was horrible for me - pain, vasovagal, vomiting, etc. I initially really liked it. My periods completely stopped. I love the carefree aspect and the ability to have unprotected sex with my husband and not worrying about condoms, pills, etc. However, I gained 30 lbs, started growing long dark neck hairs, and began having stabbing pelvic pain. Like to the point where I’d fall to the floor and start thinking about going to the emergency room... then it would just suddenly go away and everything would be fine again. I decided to get it taken out and the facial hair and pelvic pain went away. I also have finally been able to lose weight again (there were other factors involved, but I think it helped)."

• Anonymous
• June 8, 2009

For Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I had my Mirena inserted one year ago. It was great at first because it really does make your period a lot lighter when you typically suffer from dysmenorrhea, which I do. However, in the last three months, I have gained 15 pounds, but the weight is really just around my midsection. My breasts have swollen such that I have gone up two bra sizes (which, contrary to what one may think, is not a good thing). And worse still, morning sickness. I thought I might be pregnant, but the home tests say I am not. I have just made an appointment to have it removed because, unfortunately, the side effects are now affecting me on a daily basis."

• cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I got the Mirena about 3 weeks ago. I'm 21 and have 2 children. The OB told my husband that he would feel the strings and no intercourse for 2 weeks. Well, the bleeding has been nonstop, slightly heavy. I'm not really sure if I like it or not. My OB, by her own choice, had to numb me and give me a shot for pain right before I had it inserted. I'm not really sure if this is normal. I have acne now, I haven't had it since I was 18. I've gained weight, and I get sleepy very easily now."

• Col...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 10, 2019

For Birth Control "My experience was not a good one with Mirena. I had high hopes because I heard so many great things about it being helpful for heaviness, which was my reason for getting it. Immediately, I bled on and off for months. I couldn't tell if it was a period or an in-between flow. It was constant. Discouraged with it, I asked my doctor to remove it, and she advised me to give it a year. Well over a year later, still no change. I developed a vitamin D deficiency, which was so concerning my doctor put me on a 50,000 milligram prescription. I also developed chin and jaw acne, weight gain (which is impossible to shed), hair loss, a rash on my arms, pretty severe depression, and exhaustion. Needless to say, after many inquiries to remove it, I finally had it removed today. I would not recommend Mirena."

• Win...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

For Birth Control "Just got the Mirena put in today. It hurt, a lot. It's been about fifteen minutes, and I'm still sitting in my car in the parking lot. The cramps are killing me. I'm 45 and was previously on the depo shot, which I hated having. I've had a lot of irregular periods, even month-long periods, and weight gain with the depo. Fingers crossed the Mirena works better. I'll keep my post updated."